Your morning coffee might be missing this simple health boost, experts say

That first cup of coffee isn't just a habit for a lot of us; it's what wakes us up in the morning. Coffee is a part of everyday life, whether you drink it to wake up or before a meeting. But since you're already drinking it, why not make it a little better for you?

What does good coffee do for you?

It matters a lot what kind of beans you drink. Many commercial beans are grown with pesticides and fertilizers. Experts say that the source is more important than the sticker when it comes to "organic" labels.



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Single-origin beans are usually a better choice because you know where they came from and how they were treated. That makes them more stable and often of better quality than blends that come from many different places, as per a report.

How do you pick beans that are safer and better for you?

The harsh reality is that coffee can pose significant issues and not solely due to caffeine. Commercial coffee is among the most chemically treated agricultural products, frequently cultivated using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. However, merely acquiring a bag of organic beans is insufficient, as per a report.

Although we frequently rely on the "organic" designation, Isabel Smith, a registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition, observes the potential for greenwashing. ""What makes something organic in one place can be completely different somewhere else."

Therefore, she advises examining the sourcing of beans rather than solely relying on the label. Your optimal choice? Select single-origin coffee. Although blends can be challenging to trace, single-source beans facilitate the examination of their cultivation methods, as per a report.

Mold and mycotoxins: should you be worried?

Bloggers and influencers have designated them as Public Enemy No. 1; however, research suggests that concern is unwarranted. Jae-Hyuk Yu, Ph.D., a professor of bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, stated that consumers in the U.S. and other nations with stringent food-safety regulations need not be excessively worried about molds and mycotoxins in commercial coffee.

"While mold ... can grow on coffee beans under certain conditions — particularly during improper harvesting, drying or storage — stringent quality-control practices and regulatory standards help ensure that mycotoxin levels remain well below safety concerns," states Yu.

More than 100 countries globally regulate the concentrations of these compounds, and although some impose stricter standards than others, all adhere to established safety thresholds. Furthermore, wet processing and roasting facilitate the elimination of these toxins.

"Consumers can purchase coffee from reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices and conduct regular testing to minimize potential exposure," states Yu.

"Certifications such as USDA Organic, Rainforest Alliance or third-party lab-tested claims, if provided transparently, may also be helpful." He states that preserving coffee beans in a cool, arid environment and consuming them within a suitable duration can inhibit mold proliferation at home.

Although mold and mycotoxins are legitimate concerns, they do not pose a significant threat to most consumers due to regulations, oversight, and processing measures.

It's very important how you keep the beans when you get them home. Keep them cool and dry, and don't let them sit for too long before brewing.

It is not mandatory to purchase coffee labeled as USDA organic; however, one should opt for single-origin coffee that is transparent regarding its cultivation methods.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not medical advice. It is only meant to provide general information or to teach. This is not a replacement for professional help, so please talk to your doctor.

FAQs

Do I have to buy only organic coffee?
Not all the time. Buying good single-origin beans from well-known brands is usually just as safe.

Is it bad that my coffee has mold in it?
No. There are strict tests and roasting processes for commercial coffee that keep the levels of mold and toxins well within safe limits.